Lionel Messi: Argentina Star Involved in Heated Exchange With Rodrygo Before Clash With Brazil

• Lionel Messi and Rodrygo exchanged words during Argentina's clash with Brazil
• Rodrigo De Paul was also involved in the argument amid the World Cup qualifier
• Brazil lost 1-0 to Argentina thanks to Nicholas Otamendi's powerful headed goal

Tempers flared as Lionel Messi exchanged heated words with Rodrygo after Argentina re-entered the field, following the clash between fans and police at the Maracana Stadium.

The kick-off was delayed by almost 30 minutes due to altercations among Brazilian and Argentine fans in the crowd, prompting police intervention to quell the violence.

Additionally, a number of spectators were reportedly observed tearing out stadium seats and wielding them as weapons.

Captain, Messi had led La Albiceleste off the pitch due to the clashes in the stands, where Brazilian police used batons to break up the brawling between opposing fans.

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After the situation calmed down, the 36-year-old and his fellow World Champions returned to the field but he was then seen involved in a confrontation with Brazilian attacker, Rodrygo.

In a video posted on social media, both the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and his teammate, Rodrigo De Paul, were visibly engaged in a heated confrontation with Rodrygo.

The two players exchanged words, with Messi initially seeming to embrace the Selecao youngster. De Paul intervened, stepping between the pair just before the game eventually kicked off.

The veteran forward had initially made the decision to lead his national teammates off the pitch, insisting they could not play under the prevailing circumstances, per Sportskeeda.

The match, initially scheduled to start at 7:30pm EST, commenced 30 minutes later. Despite the disgraceful scenes involving fans and police, the World Cup qualifier proceeded.

Argentina currently leads the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table with a five-point advantage over fifth-placed Brazil, following their victory on a highly-charged night.

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Messi's Maracana experience

Sports Brief has also previously reported on Messi's best and worst moments at the iconic Maracana Stadium in Brazil.

The biggest heartbreak of his career happened at the venue, with Argentina losing to Germany in the 2014 World Cup Final.

Seven years later, Messi redeemed this loss by leading Argentina to the 2021 Copa America title, beating Brazil in the final.